Mary Lou Campbell

Published 8:40 am Thursday, July 11, 2024

Mary Lou Campbell

1936 – 2024

Mary Lou Campbell was an incredibly loving wife and mother. She passed away in June 2024. She is survived by her daughters, Kim (Roger) and Karen Joy; her sister, Lois Elaine (Vernon); and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Medford First Christian Church in the future.


Mary Lou spent her childhood in the Midwest. She often spoke of visits to family farms, her mother’s victory garden, fishing with her father, and her dedication to learning and performing piano at a young age.


Mary Lou graduated from high school in the mid-1950’s and then attended university, becoming a teacher.


In the late 1950’s, Mary Lou married Arthur Campbell. In the 1960’s, she first gave birth to daughter Kim and then later to daughter Karen.


Mary Lou was a “super mom” before the term was invented. She often taught elementary school while also running the household, supporting Art, and parenting her daughters. Her teaching career would stretch over thirty years. She helped hundreds of children learn to read.


Music was core to Mary Lou’s life. In addition to studying piano from age seven to age eighteen, she performed with a symphonic choir and with a barbershop acapella chorus. Combining her affinity for music with her faith, Mary Lou sang in many church choirs.


Mary Lou and Art had many outdoor and travel adventures. The family camped and rafted on rivers in the Pacific Northwest.


In retirement, Mary Lou gave her time generously. She helped with fund-raising, volunteered in the school, and was active in Medford First Christian Church.


In her seventies, Mary Lou began to suffer from health issues that often limited her energy. She continued her involvement as a church leader and in the choir.


In her eighties, Mary Lou lost her husband Art, after sixty years of marriage. She moved north to be nearer to her younger daughter, where she resided in a small care facility. There Mary Lou benefited from the home-like environment.


She had a sweet, loving smile for her daughters just a few days before her passing.